Democratic Party Chairwoman [crscore]Debbie Wasserman Schultz[/crscore] has adamantly opposed calls for more debates in her party’s primary race, saying six was enough. It seems, however, the Florida congresswoman found a forum she could support: a candidate town hall hosted by leaders of the #BlackLivesMatter group.
Amy Dacey, CEO of the Democratic National Committee, wrote to Deray McKesson, one of the faces of the BLM group, saying, “We believe that your organization would be an ideal host for a presidential candidate forum — where all of the Democratic candidates can showcase their ideas and policy positions that will expand opportunity for all, strengthen the middle class and address racism in America.”
Dacey added, “The DNC would be happy to help promote the event.”
BLM, seen by many as anti-police with members caught calling for “dead cops” on the streets of New York and chanting “pigs in a blanket, fry ‘em like bacon” in Wisconsin, isn’t quite sold on the idea.
Another BLM leader, Elle Hearns, told The Washington Post that the DNC’s response to their request for an additional debate was not enough, even with the town hall sanction. She said the group has yet to decide if they will host the event.
BLM had wanted to host a Democratic debate on the topic of race, but the DNC held firm on their six debate ceiling.
“Their response to our request is unsatisfactory,” Hearns said. “Debbie Wasserman Schultz should be more mindful of her responsibility not only to the DNC, but to the American people.”
BLM is reportedly working with Twitter on the possibility of hosting the town hall.
For his part, McKesson has begun reaching out to corporate sponsors for the potential event he hopes will include both Democratic and Republican candidates. Telling the Post, “We want to bring together all of the candidates, not focused on either political party, to have a conversation centered on race and criminal justice.”
McKesson mentioned the possibility of a town hall only Tuesday, Wednesday he got his answer.
After meeting w/ some of the presidential candidates, I'm interested in seeing if we can host a Town Hall/Forum in Feb. w/ all candidates.
— deray mckesson (@deray) October 20, 2015